The Lutheran Hymnary ‎#610

610. Jerusalem, thou city fair and high

1 Jerusalem, thou city fair and high,
Would God I were in thee!
My longing heart fain, fain to thee would fly,
It will not stay with me;
Far over vale and mountain,
Far over field and plain,
It hastes to seek its fountain,
And quit this world of pain.

2 O happy day and yet far happier hour,
When wilt thou come at last?
When fearless to my Father's love and power,
Whose promise standeth fast,
My soul I gladly render,
For surely will His hand
Lead her with guidance tender
To heaven, her fatherland.

3 A moment's space, and gently, wondrously,
Released from earthly ties,
The fiery car shall bear her up to Thee,
Through all these lower skies,
To yonder shining regions,
While down to meet her come
The blessed angel legions,
And bid her welcome home.

4 O Zion, hail! Bright city, now unfold
The gates of grace to me!
How many a time I longed for thee of old,
Ere yet I was set free
From yon dark life of sadness,
Yon world of shadowy nought,
And God had given the gladness,
The heritage I sought.

5 Innumerous choirs before the shining throne
Their joyful anthems raise,
Till heaven's glad halls are echoing with the tone
Of that great hymn of praise,
And all its host rejoices,
And all its blessed throng
Unite their myriad voices
In one eternal song!

Text Information

• First Line: Jerusalem, thou city fair and high
• Author: J. M. Meyfart (1626)
• Meter: 10, 6, 10, 6, 7, 6, 7, 6.
• Publication Date: 1913
• Topic: The Last Things: The Heavenly Home; Heaven

Tune Information

• Name: [Jerusalem, thou city fair and high]
• Composer: M. Frank, 1580—1639
• Meter: 10, 6, 10, 6, 7, 6, 7, 6.
• Key: D Major